WCR This Week

Swiss Catholic Church officials deplored the approval by voters of a modification to the country's in vitro fertilization law that would permit genetic testing of embryos, allowing imperfect human embryos to be discarded.

The president of the Swiss bishops' conference said the revision "jeopardizes the full protection of human life."

Bishop Charles Morerod said, "Recognizing the full dignity of all human beings, above all the most vulnerable, is essential for a just society."

The measure will allow embryos to be stored and screened for genetic defects before implantation. It was approved by 62.4 per cent of voters June 5.

About 44 per cent of the Swiss population is Catholic.